Tag Archives: Image
On Perceptions and Perspectives
I saw this image a few weeks ago on Pinterest, and found it fascinatingly creepy. It’s a great example of perspective, thwarting assumptions, and the fact that the image automatically raises certain expectations – until you see the caption. What our minds initially perceive may or may not be accurate; only when we see the bigger picture, or have more pieces to the puzzle, does that perception or perspective change, or get adjusted to a more accurate overall understanding. Doing this with words is an art form: It’s about building expectations and thwarting them without making the reader feel like you’ve drawn them in under false pretences. If they can look back through what they’ve already read and realize that only their assumptions were wrong – that the writer never misled them, but they misled themselves – then you’ve managed to find that fine line!
Filed under Images, Musings, Nuts & Bolts, Plot Thots & Profiles, Writing Exercise
Lost in Translation: Bird Crap
I don’t know if this would really qualify as being “lost in translation” as it is the original English name of the product, and it is intentional; it may just fall under the category of marketing flops or faux pas. But either way, the last thing I want going through my mind as I take a bite of a nicely grilled burger is this brand name…
Here’s a close-up of the label:
Ya never know – it might sell quite well, just as a marketing gag (no pun intended – well, maybe it was)…
Filed under Humor, Images, Mistranslations
Lost in Translation: Barf
In Iran, where this laundry detergent is produced, the name means “snow”. For obvious reasons I don’t think they should try to break into the English market…
For other ads lost in translation, click here.
Filed under Humor, Images, Mistranslations, Signs
Two Essentials on Every Blog in WordPress Land
I love looking at other blogs – it gives me a window into another culture, another mind, another lifestyle and another perspective. I also like to click on the Gravatars of others who’ve “liked” the same article, to see what like-minds have to offer. In doing so, I’ve repeatedly come across Gravatars & blogs that have two essentials missing: Blog links, and “Like” buttons.
Everyone who’s got a WordPress site has a Gravatar; on the Gravatar you’ve got the opportunity to put a link to your blog(s), your Twitter account, Facebook, Pinterest, or any other link you’d like to connect to one face, one place. Think of it as a virtual pin board, or bulletin board. If you’ve got a blog, that’s the place to have a link!
To the right of this blog page, you see the example of my own Gravatar: A photo of moi, my Gravatar’s name and a brief description, followed by a list of my personal links – some are to my other three blogs, and my Amazon Author’s Page, as well as my Pinterest board. I’ve never twittered, and maintaining a public Facebook page on top of four blogs plus a writer’s forum on another website was too much of a time-eating monster… I’d rather be working on my next novel’s manuscript!
I’ll explain how to get what you need, as sometimes it’s helpful – I’m sure a lot of you know more about finding your way around cyberspace than I do, but sharing knowledge is what makes connecting with others enjoyable!
To add a link to your Gravatar:
On your blog, click on your Gravatar’s name (just under the Gravatar photo on your blog, if you’ve got that set up; if not, click on your chosen image at the top right of your screen’s bar – that will take you to the reader, where you should see the name in blue). Once you’re signed in through WordPress, below the Gravatar’s name you should see the options “Edit My Profile” and “Hide My Profile”. Click on Edit; on the new screen to the right you will see a list; chose “Websites”. On the new screen, you can add a new website by copying and pasting the URL after clicking either of the “Add Website” options. Be sure to title it too.
One more thought: Don’t leave a generic image as your Gravatar’s face; put something that represents you, whether a photo of you or your cat or a flower – it’s a lot more attractive, individualized, and says something about the person behind the words.
To add a Like button:
Go to your blog’s main page, and hover over “My Sites” in the top left corner; one from the bottom you should see “Settings”; click on that. From this new screen, in the last section on the left you should see “sharing”. Here you should be able to add a like option.
I’m not certain this is correct, as I’ve already got the option on all four of my blogs; but it may also depend on which theme you choose for your blog. If anyone knows how to get the like button up front, please let me know! If you can’t add like in the way described, you may want to consider changing your blog’s visual theme (different themes offer different options). Your content matters, and people want to let you know!
Also, when adding a new post, make certain that you’ve ticked on the “Likes and Shares” (in the left-hand side bar).
Just one more thought: Be aware of how colour schemes affect the reader: If you’ve got a bright background and clashing font colours, it’s just plain irritating, and will likely drive more people from than to your blog. Choose colour combinations that are easy on the eye, which makes them much more attractive to read.
Please tell me in the comments below how you’ve experienced these points, and if you have any tips on improving the layouts and function of blogs!
Filed under Articles, Nuts & Bolts
Stephanie Huesler 